Sensory stimulation or monitoring apparatus for the back of neck

ABSTRACT

Described herein are wearable sensory stimulation and monitoring devices that can be worn around the back of the neck along and in contact with the spine. Apparatuses described herein stimulate one or more senses including auditory, tactile or olfactory. Apparatuses are also described that allow for sensing and monitoring of physiologic parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure and movement. The device also has features that allow for easy attachment or integration to articles worn on the head such as augmented reality and virtual reality accessories to provide visual stimulation and entertainment.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US2015/021286, filed on Mar. 18, 2015, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/955,384, filed Mar. 19, 2014,this application is also a continuation-in-part of US 2017/0135896 filedon Sep. 19, 2016 and having Ser. No. 15/269,655, the entire contents ofwhich are all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wearable sensory stimulationapparatuses worn on the head and neck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The human brain is multi-sensory and receives stimulation from theoutside world via sound, touch, smell, vision and taste. Commerciallyavailable options for delivering and receiving stimulation includeheadphones or ear buds that deliver audio to the ear, as well asmonitoring and sensing apparatuses worn on various parts of the body.Known apparatuses have limitations in their design, function andperformance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments of the invention relate to apparatuses thatimprove upon existing sensory stimulation devices such as headphones,ear buds and other wearable headset devices by adding a transductioncomponent to the device, such as vibration speakers, haptic exciters,electrical stimulation, olfactory release, or similar transductionmembers. The various devices taught herein also include monitoringsensors located on the back of the neck and the spine. These apparatusescan be used to improve audio output performance at lower frequencies,and therefore lower volumes. In an example embodiment, the apparatus isused to train, teach, improve, and recover from athletic performance oractivity. In other embodiments, the apparatus is used for entertainmentor communication purposes. Alternative embodiments are also used tomonitor and diagnose physiological processes, and even deliver forms ofsensory stimulation for health, healing or improve coordinationpurposes.

The teachings herein improve the performance and experience of existingheadphones, ear buds, headsets and other wearable audio delivery devicesby adding transduction components such as vibration speakers or similarhaptic delivery methods to the system, and placing these components onthe back of the neck and/or upper spine of the user. The vibrationtransduction components allow for better delivery of lower frequencies,especially when in direct contact with the user. This improvement allowslower frequencies to be optimally played, heard and felt through theperipheral sensory nerve pathway, in conjunction with the existingauditory channel, thus more closely resembling larger room speakeroutput experiences. The wearable audio delivery devices may also bewaterproof, adjustable, remote controlled, lightweight, foldable, noisecancellation capable and the like.

By activating neurologic pathways along the spine, especially cranialnerves, using sound, vibration and music therapy, the user can alsoreceive health benefits. This application provides the embodiments thatcan be used to monitor, assess and deliver various forms of vibrationtherapy to individuals, as well as methods to help coach, train, andrecover for improved athletic performance.

Additionally, embodiments describe apparatuses that can be used to treatconditions such as tinnitus, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, autism, orsimilar brain-related conditions.

It would be preferable to place a plurality of sensing components on theback of the neck to assess the health condition of the individual. Brainstem activity, heart rate, oxygenation, pulse, movement and otherprocesses may be monitored effectively on the back of the neck. Also,when used in conjunction with the above transduction components, variousforms of vibration therapy can be administered, either on the neck,wrist, back, or other points on the body to achieve neurologicstimulation.

It is taught herein to have a training device for athletic performancesuch as for golf, baseball, tennis, or other sports. The device can beworn around the neck and over the ears to deliver specific instructionbefore, during and after the activity. When accompanied by a vibrationspeaker or similar transducer, the device can stimulate the spine forimproved neurologic outcomes. In one example embodiment, the deviceincludes instruction methods, such as swing tempo for golfers, which areloaded on the device and delivered to help train, teach, heal andrecover during and after athletic performance or activity.

Embodiments of the invention set forth a wearable audio deliveryapparatus configured for use with a speaker set that is placed in orabout the ears, with the apparatus including (a) a housing having atleast one vibration speaker or vibration transduction component, thehousing configured to be positioned on the back of the neck and on thespine, and (b) right and left attachment members with a proximal portiondirectly or indirectly connected to the housing, and the attachmentmembers each having a distal portion configured for removable attachmentto the ears or to speaker enclosures of a speaker set that is placedabout the ears.

Embodiments of the invention also set forth a wearable audio deliveryapparatus that include (a) a speaker set that is placed in or about theears, (b) a housing having at least one vibration speaker or vibrationtransduction component, the housing configured to be positioned on theback of the neck and on the spine, and (c) right and left attachmentmembers each comprising a proximal portion directly or indirectlyconnected to the housing, and a distal portion attached to a portion ofa speaker set that is placed in or about the ears, wherein theattachment members are flexible, stretchable, or both flexible andstretchable.

Embodiments of the invention also set forth a wearable monitoringapparatus that includes (a) a housing having a sensing feature, thehousing configured to be positioned on the back of the neck and on thespine, and (b) right and left attachment members directly or indirectlyconnected to the housing, wherein the attachment members allow thehousing to be stably immobilized on the head of a user or to be attachedto a headpiece. In a related example embodiment and platform, there isprovided mobile content delivery systems that allow people to engagewith various forms of recorded, digital content while being mobile andwanting to experience the content via as many sensory stimuli aspossible. This example embodiment delivers music, gaming, video,therapeutic, or other forms of digital content to entertain, improve orenhance a person's life. Specifically, these related embodimentsencompass various forms of wearable headsets that deliver various formsof multi-sensory stimulation content to users. These mobile headsetsdeliver content such as audio, video, virtual reality (VR), augmentedreality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), allowing the user to hear, feel,see and smell the content. Content can be streamed, uploaded orconnected directly to the headsets or components via methods such assmartphones, tablets, hard drives, cables and other connection methods.The drawback with existing video headsets is they only deliver one ortwo sensory stimulation methods, primarily visual and sometimes audio.These existing headsets limit the experience and mobility optionsconsumers have with the digital content. One of the additionalcharacteristics of this embodiment is that it allows the audio signal tobe split, filtered, amplified and delivered to multiple speakers andsimilar audio outputs to provide the user with a more realistic,surround sound experience.

In one of various example embodiments, there is provided headphones witha modular attachment system, along with methods how to attach variouscomponents to the headphones. The modular headphone system incorporatesmethods of component attachment using a variety of fixtures that arepart of or in addition to the headphone or the headphone ear cup molds.These fixtures, or methods of attachment, allow for components to beheld securely in place on or around the head including, but not limitedto, on the neck, over the eyes, on the face, from the ear cups, aroundthe forehead, extending from or on top of the head. The fixtures can befixed into the headphones or can be interchanged to allow for otherfixtures. One representative embodiment use would be to allow a user toexperience digital content in a new way. A user could play a video ontheir smartphone or other device, put on our headphones to listen to theaudio, attach a subwoofer to the headphone fixture so it rests on theback of the neck to add tactile sensation, and then insert theirsmartphone into a virtual reality attachment that plugs into theheadphone attachment fixture on the front of the ear cup and plays videoin front of the user's eyes.

Another representative embodiment use would be for an air traveler whowants to connect a thermal node around their neck to help relax andsooth, and insert an eye covering shade into the headphones to block outlights and noises. Still another representative embodiment would be fora user to attach a heart rate or blood pressure monitoring device to theheadphone to monitor conditions that could then be transmitted toexternal users such as physicians. Another representative embodimentwould be to attach or insert a mechanism to the headphone or headphoneear cup that projects images, videos, virtual or augmented realityimages, or the like in front of the user for entertainment, wellness orfor training. Still another representative embodiment would be a userwho wants to personalize their headphones by adding a decorativeattachment to the ear cups. The attached or connected components can benew forms of stimulation to the user, as well as various types of otheraccessories. These components can be connected to headphones usingflexible, rigid or semi-rigid attachment members that secure to theheadphones and ear cups through various types of fixtures oraccessories. Additionally, these attached components can also bedirectly or wirelessly connected to external devices such as powersupplies, content delivery systems, entertainment systems, trainingapparatuses, fitness machines or diagnostic equipment. One of the mainbenefits of this invention is to create new methods so various forms ofrecorded digital content, such as movies, fitness or wellness training,sports events, travel, music concerts, amusement parks, or the like, canbe delivered through our modular headphones so users can havemulti-sensory stimulation experiences without needing to travel toplaces for entertainment or healthcare needs.

Articles and types of manufacture, materials, features and advantages ofthe various embodiments of the invention will become apparent to someonein the art having ordinary skill. It is intended that all such articlesincluded within this description be within the scope of the presentinvention, and thus protected by the associated claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other important advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate perspective views and a side view of a wearableaudio and vibrational delivery or monitoring device that incorporatesvibration speakers, other transduction components, and physiologicalsensors that is placed on the back of the neck;

FIGS. 1C-1D illustrate perspective view of a wearable audio andvibrational delivery device that includes a vibration speaker and armsthat extend over the ears but in FIG. 1D the arms are attached to overthe ear speakers;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate perspective and side views of a wearable audioand vibrational delivery or monitoring device that includes anadjustable headband embodiment that is placed over the head;

FIG. 3 illustrates a wearable audio and vibrational delivery ormonitoring device that includes vibration speakers or similartransduction members into headphones that go around the back of the headto the ears;

FIG. 4 illustrates a wearable audio and vibrational delivery ormonitoring device that includes a system of attaching vibration speakersor similar transduction members via a wired or wireless connection, inor over the ear buds, and placed on the back of the neck;

FIG. 5 illustrates a wearable audio and vibrational delivery ormonitoring device that includes vibration speakers or transductionmembers on the back of the neck and into an audio system built inside ahelmet;

FIG. 6 illustrates a wearable audio and vibrational delivery ormonitoring system that includes vibration speakers or transductionmembers on the back of the neck and is attached with or without wires toheadphones to an audio output device, headphones and earbuds;

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate perspective views of a wearable audio andvibrational delivery or monitoring device that includes vibrationspeakers or similar transduction members on the back of the neck.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate perspective views and a side view of a wearableaudio and vibrational delivery or monitoring device that works inconjunction with glasses or goggles or other headgear; and

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate perspective and side views of a wearablemonitoring device that contains physiological sensors and therapeuticdelivery components.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a housing for a vibration speaker ortransduction member placed on the back of the neck.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a housing for avibration speaker or transduction member.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate rear and cross-sectional top views of anembodiment of housing for a vibration speaker or transduction member

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate rear and bottom views of an embodiment ofhousing for a vibration speaker or transduction member

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate rear and top views of an embodiment ofhousing for a vibration speaker or transduction member

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate rear and top views of an embodiment ofhousing for a vibration speaker or transduction member

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate an attachable audio delivery device withhousing for placement on the back of the neck, as shown attached to auser's head (back view and side view).

FIGS. 16C and 16D illustrate embodiments of an attachable audio deliverydevice with housing for placement on the back of the neck.

FIGS. 17A-17D are front, side and perspective views of embodiments of anattachable audio delivery device with housing for placement on the backof the neck, the device attached to speaker enclosures of a headphoneset.

FIGS. 18A-18E are front, perspective and side views of embodiments of anattachable audio delivery device with housing for placement on the backof the neck, the device attached to a headphone set. [0034A] FIGS.19A-19B are front and side views of another embodiment of an attachableaudio delivery device with housing for placement on the back of the neckattached to a headphone set.

FIG. 20A is an illustration of an integrated audio delivery deviceincluding a housing for placement on the back of the neck and earbuds,and FIG. 20B is an illustration of the device in a storage configurationfor battery recharging.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of an earbud construction for an integratedaudio delivery device.

FIGS. 22A-22D are views of an integrated audio delivery device withhousing for placement on the back of the neck with a headphone set.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of an integrated audio delivery deviceincluding a housing for placement on the back of the neck and earbuds.

FIG. 24 illustrates anatomical features of the upper body relevant forplacement of an audio delivery device or device having a sensingmechanism.

FIG. 25 illustrates anatomical features of the upper body includingrelevant for placement of an audio delivery device or device having asensing mechanism.

FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of a mobile content delivery headset.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile content deliveryheadset.

FIG. 28 illustrates a side view with details of a component attached toa mobile content delivery headset arm.

FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of another mobile content deliveryheadset with a different shape.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile content deliveryheadset that has a conforming shape to a user's head and speakersadjacent a user's ears.

FIG. 31 illustrates similar headset to FIG. 30 with in-ear speakers fora user.

FIG. 32 illustrates a side view of a mobile content delivery headsetthat incorporates an over the head attachment to hold an eyepiece orviewing display in place.

FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile content deliveryheadset with an over the top of the head design.

FIG. 34 illustrates a mobile content delivery headset with features thatallow components to adjust, conform and move independent of each other.

FIG. 35 illustrates a mobile content delivery headset, similar to FIG.29, but without the eyepiece or viewing display.

FIG. 36 illustrates a mobile content delivery headset with speakersdirectly over the ears.

FIG. 37 illustrates a modular headphone system with an attachment to bedisposed about a user's neck.

FIG. 38 illustrates a headphone attachment device for use with aheadphone set.

FIG. 39 illustrates a headphone with a set of attachment mechanisms orfixtures.

FIG. 40 illustrates a portion of a headphone attachment fixture with aslot in an ear cup.

FIG. 41 illustrates a headphone attachment fixture for use in aheadphone set that is in a closed configuration.

FIG. 42 illustrates a headphone attachment fixture or configuration foruse in a headphone set with a depressible locking mechanism.

FIG. 43 illustrates a headphone attachment fixture for use in aheadphone set with a hinged locking mechanism.

FIG. 44 illustrates a headphone attachment fixture for use in aheadphone set with an extended closed loop.

FIG. 45 illustrates a headphone attachment fixture for use in aheadphone set with a screw locking mechanism.

FIG. 46 illustrates an outside side view of an attachment slot locatedin a headphone ear cup.

FIGS. 47A and 47B illustrate section side views of a headphoneattachment mechanism located within a headphone set.

FIG. 48 illustrates a headphone attachment mechanism for use in aheadphone set with slotted holes, magnets or apertures in the ear cupand a connection post or mechanism in an attachment band.

FIG. 49 illustrates a side section view of FIG. 48 with a male postinserted into slotted holes, magnets or apertures.

FIG. 50 illustrates a headphone attachment method with a plurality ofmale posts in an ear cup and female connection slots in an attachmentband.

FIG. 51 illustrates a side section view of FIG. 50 with at least onefemale slot connected to at least one male post.

FIG. 52 illustrates a headphone attachment fixture disposed within anear cup mold having a slotted opening.

FIGS. 53 and 54 illustrate modular headphone systems, where FIG. 53illustrates same with various receptacles for various attachments to bedisposed on a user's neck, ear and face while FIG. 54 illustrates samewith attachable components for wired and wireless connection to otherexternal devices.

FIGS. 55-57 illustrate an in-ear wireless audio assembly according tothe teachings herein using vibrational transduction technology toenhance hearing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description that follows below is intended to provideillustration to the principles of the invention. This description is notprovided to limit the possibilities of the invention described herein,but rather to explain and teach the principles in such a way that aperson of ordinary skill in the art could apply them to practice notonly to the embodiments described herein, but also to other embodimentsthat could come into mind when applying the principles. The intention isto not limit the disclosures and claims listed herein, but to alsoinclude all similar embodiments.

The various embodiments described herein detail improvements tocurrently available devices, such as headphones, ear buds, headsets,headbands, glasses, and the like, that are worn by humans to deliversound. By including additional speakers or other haptic transducers tothese devices, and placing them around the back of the neck along and incontact with the spine, allows lower frequencies to be played moreeffectively, and can be heard and felt at the same time, thus improvingaudio output performance. Musicians, disc jockeys and audiophiles willbe able to enhance the audio output. In a related embodiment, videosgamers will also enjoy an enhanced experience with the improved audiodevice taught herein. Features such as waterproof, adjustable, remotecontrol, volume control, lightweight, foldable, noise cancellation andthe like may also be included.

Additionally, since the neck is an ideal location to assess the healthof a human, it is also envisioned that physiological health monitoringsensors may be incorporated into the systems, thus allowing users totrack brain activity, movement, heart rate, blood pressure, glucoseoutput and similar bodily functions. In an example embodiment, thedevice is capable of delivering this information to a user's computer orsmartphone. These assessments could be used in conjunction with thedelivery of therapy through transduction members also placed within thewearable devices on the back of the neck and used to stimulate thenervous system throughout the body.

Also, it is taught herein that the device is capable of incorporatingteaching, training, and recovery regimens into the delivery device andworn on the back of the neck. This placement keeps the unit out of theway, allows for focus since it covers the ears, and delivers therapyalong the spine before, during, and after performance needs. The devicemay be used for athletic activities, such as golf, baseball, tennis,bicycling, and other sports. When combined with the various forms ofvibration delivery, improvements such as balance, stability, hand/eyecoordination, muscle firing, and other neurologic processes areexpected.

Additionally, placing optional sensing mechanisms within one or moreembodiments allows the accurate assessment of physiological processessuch as heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure, brain stem activity, anduser activity. This monitoring functionality is used to not only assesshealth and deliver that output to the user, but also can be connected towearable forms of delivering therapy through the transductioncomponents. Example benefits of this embodiment allow for users to wearthe headphones to assess conditions associated with aging, such asbalance or stability issues, anxiety, fatigue, lack of mobility or pain,and deliver a sensory therapy to help correct or address these symptoms.

Also, throughout the disclosure various embodiments are described thatinclude a vibratory or audio transducer component(s) placed inside of ahousing, which is configured for placement on back of the neck. It isenvisioned that the vibratory or audio transducer component in any ofthe disclosed embodiments could be supplemented with or replaced byother non-audio or non-vibrational stimulation components to provide astimulatory effect to a user to achieve a desired outcome.

Exemplary non-audio or non-vibrational stimulation components includebut are not limited to electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electricalnerve stimulation (TENS), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT),olfactory or pheromone stimulation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system 60 with components for wearable audiodelivery and/or monitoring that can include a vibration speaker 66 orsimilar transduction members, and/or monitoring sensors, configured forplacement on the back of the neck. The vibration speaker 66 can beattached either with or without wires (wirelessly) to headphones 64 toan audio output device 67, headphones and ear buds. The wearable audiodelivery and monitoring device 60 can include a splitter jack 68 thatallows the device to be connected to both the ear buds 30 andvibrational speakers 20.

In some embodiments the vibration transduction component that provideslower frequency output is an “add-on” component, meaning that isprovided apart, i.e., as a separate component, from a headphone orearbud speaker set that the user may already possess. In thisembodiment, the audio delivery apparatus can be referred to asconfigured for the “removable attachment” to the ears, or to speakerenclosures of a speaker set that is placed about the ears. In order toexplain aspects of the invention, features of commercially availableover the ear-type headphones and earbud-type headphones, and which canbe used with an “attachable” audio delivery apparatus includingvibration speaker or vibration transduction component, are described.

Commercially available “over the ear” headphones (herein referred to as“headphones”) generally include a pair of small loudspeakers within anenclosure or housing that is held in place over a user's ears.Typically, the speaker enclosures are attached to a band that goes overthe user's head and that provides a slight inward force to press theenclosures up against the user's ears, which aid in providing stabilityduring use. Speaker enclosures generally include padding, such as a foammaterial covering all or a portion (such as about the periphery) of theinner (user) side of the enclosure to improve the comfort of theheadphones. Typically, the band over the top of the user's head isadjustable to provide desired placement of the speaker enclosures.Commercially available speaker enclosures of headphones are of variousshapes and sizes. Common shapes for speaker enclosures include oval,circular, and oblong shapes. The size of such enclosures can be somewhatsmall, such as less than the size of the outer ear of a user or can berather large and have a periphery that is larger than the outer ear. Forexample, the periphery of a speaker enclosure of a headphone may be inthe range of about 10 cm to about 30 cm, or about 15 cm to about 25 cm.

Other commercially available speaker sets for use on the head includeearphones (referred to herein as “earbuds”) and in-ear headphones (alsoreferred to as “in-ear monitors,” (IEMs) or “canal phones”). Earbuds arevery small speaker enclosures that are configured to fit within theouter ear, and which face but are not inserted into the ear canal.Earbuds typically include a soft firm material, such as a foam pad, onthe ear-canal facing surface to provide comfort. In-ear headphones havea speaker enclosure that is configured to extend into the ear canal.In-ear headphones can be generic, or custom fitted, and made frommaterials such as silicone rubber, elastomers, and foam. Speakers foundwithin headphones, earbuds, and in-ear headphones are electroacoustictransducers which convert an electrical signal to a corresponding audiowave which provides a sound in the user's ear. Typical speakers withinheadphones, earbuds, and in-ear headphones provide an audio signalgenerally over a broad frequency range, for example in the range ofabout 20 Hz (very low bass tones) to about 20,000 Hz (the highesttreble), which represent the lower and upper ends, respectively, of whatthe human ear can detect. However, unlike low frequency speaker systems,the output of commercial headphones, earbuds, and in-ear headphones isdesirably equally distributed over the broad frequency range.

In contrast to speakers found within headphones, earbuds, and in-earheadphones the vibration speaker or vibration transduction component ofthe current disclosure can provide a low frequency output to createvibration on the back of the neck and over the spine. The vibrationspeaker or vibration transduction component can be used with theattachment embodiments and integrated embodiments of the invention. Insome respects, the apparatus can be described by parameters of the lowfrequency output. For example, most (greater than 50%, greater than 60%,greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, greater than 95%,greater than 99%) of the output of vibration transduction component canbe below 250 Hz, below 200 Hz, below 150 Hz, below 125 Hz, or below 100Hz, such as in the range of about 20 Hz to about 200_Hz, or about 20 Hzto about 100 Hz.

In some embodiments the vibration transduction component can produceinfrasonic waves (i.e., acoustic waves having a frequency below 20 Hz,versus “sonic” having a frequency of 20 to about 20,000 Hz). Devicessuch as tactile transducers and specialized transducers referred to aslinear actuators can produce infrasonic waves. The vibrationtransduction component capable of producing infrasonic waves can includean electromagnetic motor, with a new magnet structure with a ventedcenter pole to allow air to move in and out more efficiently.

An exemplary electromechanical transducer which can be used inassociation with the audio output apparatus of the current disclosure isdescribed in EP2779696A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Inone aspect, the apparatus has a housing that has electromechanicaltransducer that transduces an electric signal into mechanical vibration,the transducer including a structural unit with at least the followingintegrated components: at least one pair of magnets, a yoke conducting amagnetic flux generated by the magnets, and a coil supplied with theelectric signal. The transducer also includes an armature having aninner portion passing through an internal space of the structural unitand first and second outer portions protruding on both sides from theinner portion. The armature constitutes a magnetic circuit with thestructural unit via two regions through which components of the magneticflux flow in directions opposite to each other in the inner portion. Thetransducer also includes a first elastic member connecting between thefirst outer portion of the armature and the structural unit; and asecond elastic member connecting between the second outer portion of thearmature and the structural unit.

In some embodiments, the vibration transduction component provides bothinfrasonic and sonic frequencies. For example, most vibrationtransduction component can produce predominantly (greater than 50%,greater than 60%, etc.) infrasonic frequencies and sonic frequencies ofbelow 100 Hz. The vibration transduction component can be partially orfully enclosed within a housing. Generally, the housing is configured tobe placed on the back of the neck, over the uppermost portion of thespine. In particular the housing can be configured for placement belowthe occipital ridge of the skull, over the cerebellum, where the spinalcord meets the brain. In position, the housing will be proximal tocervical vertebra 1-3.

Reference is made to FIG. 24 illustrating relevant anatomical featuresof the upper body including skull 400, occipital ridge 402, cervicalspine 1-3 404, spine 408, and central nervous system 410. In modes ofpractice, the target area for placement of the device with the vibrationtransduction component is represented by circle 401, where the device isplaced. FIG. 25 provide illustrations of portions of the head, showingthe cerebellum 412, the location where the skull curves down to thespine 414, and line 416 representing the transverse plane for deviceplacement, which allows easy access to audible, tactile, and olfactoryreceptors.

The advantage of placing vibration speakers or similar deliverytransducers on the back of the neck is the direct stimulation into thebrain since they are engineered to deliver lower audio and vibrationfrequencies. This also allows the ear speakers to be optimized to playhigher frequencies. An additional benefit of this placement for audioinformation and sound delivery is for the hearing-impaired populationthat can feel vibration but may not be able to hear clearly. Other usesinclude assistance in training, post-operative recovery orrehabilitation. Still another use may be situations such as movietheatres, concerts, or similar settings where surround sound outputperformance may be delivered individually and personally through wornheadsets.

In some cases, the housing can be described in terms of height, width,and thickness ranges. In many configurations, the housing can have awidth and height that is greater than its thickness, which can providethe housing with an overall “flat” shape. When in position the heightdimension can be defined by upper and lower portions, or edges, which istowards that top of the user's head and towards the user's back,respectively. The width dimension can be defined by left and rightportions or edges. The thickness can be defined by a body-facingsurface, which is configured to be placed against the skin of a user'sneck, and an outer surface, facing away from the neck.

One or more surfaces of the housing can have curvature. For example, theinner surface of the housing can include one or more curved surfaces.The curved surface can include one or more convex and concave shape(s)providing one or more bulges or one or more indentations on the bodyfacing on the surface. FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary housing 100construction, with outward facing surface 102, and body facing surface104 (an area of the neck 106 is also shown). The indentations 108 and110 and bulge 112 can match the contour of the neck.

In exemplary embodiments, the housing has a height in the range of about6.5 cm to about 3.5 cm, or about 5.5 cm to about 4.5 cm; a width in therange of about 10 cm to about 5 cm, or about 8.5 cm to about 6.5_cm; anda thickness in the range of about 2 cm to about 0.5 cm, or about 1.5 cmto about 1 cm. As viewed from the outer face or surface, the housing canhave a square, rectangular, oval, or circular shape. An exemplary weightfor the housing, including the vibration component therein, is in therange of about 30 to about 55 grams, or about 35 to 45 grams. Exemplaryhousing materials include plastics and metals and combinations thereof.

FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional side view of an exemplary housing 120construction, with outward-facing surface 122, and body-facing surface124. The outward-facing surface 122 can be curved outwards from the top123 to the bottom 125 of the housing. A vibration component 126, such asa speaker cone or transduction member, can be secured within thehousing. The vibration component can be adjacent to an open area in thehousing (e.g., space 127) in which acoustic waves can be generated. Theacoustic waves, in turn, are absorbed by the body-facing surface of thehousing, which can have a rigid or flexible construction, and cause thevibration of this portion of the housing. The housing can also includeone or more areas (e.g., 128, 129) for placement of components usefulfor operation of the vibration component, such as a battery, a splitter,a short range wireless receiver (e.g., Bluetooth) device, amicroprocessor board, and a sensor. Areas for the placement of thesefeatures can be located between the outwards-facing surface and thevibration component or open area in the housing.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the attachment member is configured toallow for removable attachment of the apparatus to the ears or tospeaker enclosures of a speaker set that is placed about the ears. Inembodiments of the disclosure, the attachment member is formed of acord, a strip of material, a band of material, a mesh, etc. Theattachment member can have one or more of the following properties:flexibility, stretchability, elasticity, compliance, durability, andstrength. Preferably, the attachment member is flexible, stretchable, orboth flexible and stretchable. In this regard, the attachment member canbe described as “non-rigid” of made from a “non-hardened material.” Useof a flexible and/or stretchable attachment member such as an elasticcord attachment member can provide advantages during use. For example,unlike a hardened plastic material, a flexible and stretchableattachment member can provide better isolation of the low frequencyvibrations from the vibration component to the back of the neck. Unlikea hardened material, the flexible and/or stretchable attachment memberpoorly conducts the vibration from the housing, and therefore providesbetter response at the point of contact, and prevents low frequencyvibrational “bleed through” to the speakers around or in the ears.

The attachment member that is flexible and stretchable can include oneor more elastomers. An elastomer is a material that can exhibit a rapidand large reversible strain in response to a stress. Exemplaryelastomers include natural rubber (cis-1,4-isoprene polymer),styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM) rubber, polychloroprene, polysulfide, polyurethane elastomers,acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, and silicone rubber. The attachmentmember that is flexible and stretchable can optionally be described interms of its “stretchability.” For smaller and moderate forces appliedto a stretchable material such as an elastomeric cord, a spring constantof a cord can be expressed. A spring constant (k), as measured in N/m,can be calculated by the force applied to the cord over the change inlength of the cord.

If the attachment member is in the form of a cord, the cord can have acertain cross-sectional shape, such as a circular shape. However, thecord may also have an oval or polygonal shape (e.g., square,rectangular, etc.) The size of the cord can be expressed as itscross-sectional area, which in some embodiments can be in the range ofabout 1 mm² to about 120 mm², or about 7 mm² to about 40 mm². Forexample, an exemplary cord has a diameter in the range of about 3 mm toabout 8 mm. The attachment member, such as an elastomeric cord, can havean inner elastic material and a fabric outer layer coated around anouter periphery of the elastic inner tube. The fabric outer layer canprovide improved comfort for a user.

The housing can also include one or more features that facilitateattachment of the right and left attachment members to the housing. Forexample, the housing can include one or more apertures or channelsthrough which the attachment member can pass. The attachment member,such as a cord, can be movable through the aperture or channel.Generally, the size of the aperture or channel will be at least as largeas the largest cross-sectional dimension of the attachment member, suchas a cord. Using this arrangement, the attachment member such as aflexible cord, can be moved through the aperture to adjust the length ofthe attachment member that is to be looped around the ears or around aspeaker enclosure of headphones. In this regard, the apparatus caninclude a tensioning member that allows the attachment member to besecured in relation to the housing, so that a desired length of cord canextend from the housing for attachment to the ears or a speakerenclosure of headphones. The tensioning member can be one that isintegrated in or attached to the housing, such as a clip or a clamp.Alternatively, the tensioning member can be independent from thehousing, such as one that is movable over the cord. For example, thetensioning member can be a small clamp having an opening through whichthe cord can move, which can be immobilized on the cord in a clampedstate, and which can contact the housing to provide a stop to themovement of the cord.

In some embodiments the housing includes two or more apertures throughwhich the attachment members can be moved through. The housing caninclude additional apertures, such as a total of 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.according to the design of the apparatus. In some embodiments, theapertures can be located at the periphery of the housing. For example,the housing can have a rectangular or oval shape (e.g., the housinghaving a width that is greater than its height), where at least oneaperture is located on each side of the housing. If each side of thehousing has two apertures (for a total of four apertures) the aperturesmay be referred to as upper and lower apertures.

As an example, FIG. 12A shows a view of the outward-facing surface 142,with upper 145, lower 146, left 148, and right 149 sides, defining upperright, upper left, lower right, and lower left corners of the housing.In each corner there is an aperture, for a total of four apertures (147a, 147 b, 147 c, and 147 d). As shown in FIG. 12B, which is a topcross-sectional view of the housing, each aperture (top apertures 147 aand 147 b are shown) extends from the outward-facing surface 142 to thebody-facing surface 144. From the outward-facing surface 142 to thebody-facing surface 144 the apertures can be about 2 cm to about 0.5 cm,or about 1.5 cm to about 1 cm.

There are various ways to connect an attachment member to the housinghaving apertures as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. For example, anattachment member that is a cord can enter aperture 147 b from theoutward-facing surface 142, continue along the body-facing surface 144parallel to right side 149 and then exit through aperture 147 d. Thelength of cord that extends away from apertures 147 b and 147 d can forma continuous loop from the right side of the housing and along the rightside of the head, where the proximal end of the loop can attach to theear or to a speaker enclosure of a headphone. A correspondingarrangement can be provided on the left side of the housing.

In other modes of attaching, the cord may also enter aperture 147 b fromthe outward-facing surface 142, continue along the body-facing surface144 parallel to top side 145 and then exit through aperture 147 a. Thelength of cord that extends away from aperture 147 a can extend distallyto form a continuous loop from the left side of the housing and alongthe left side of the head, and then return in to aperture 147 c from theoutward-facing surface 142, continue along the body-facing surface 144parallel to bottom side 146 and then exit through aperture 147 a. Thelength of cord that extends away from aperture 147 d can extend distallyto form a continuous loop from the right side of the housing and alongthe right side of the head, and then return into aperture 147 d.

In other modes of attaching, the cord may enter any aperture from thebody-facing surface 144 and then continue along the outward-facingsurface 142, parallel to either the top or bottom (145, 146) or left orright (148, 149) sides. In some embodiments the housing includes atleast one channel (e.g., tunnel) through which the cord is movablewherein the at least one channel is integrated in the housing. Forexample, the housing can include one or more channels along any part ofthe periphery of the housing. Alternatively, one or more channels can bepresent across all or a portion of the outer surface of the housing,across all or a portion of the inner surface of the housing, or throughthe central portion of the housing. The channel can have entry and exitpoints for the cord, and therefore can be of a predetermined length,such about 0.5 cm or greater, or 1 cm or greater. The length of achannel can be as great as the entire periphery of the housing, or thelength of the upper or lower portions of the housing. The housing caninclude, or be associated with, one or more attachment member tensioningfeature(s) such as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-15B. The tensioning featurescan provide a mechanism for adjustment (lengthening or shortening) ofthe attachment member such as a cord so the user can achieve a desiredtension between the housing and the ears or the speaker enclosures ofheadphones.

As an example, FIG. 13A shows a view of a housing with outward-facingsurface 152, with upper 155, lower 156, left 158, and right 159 sides.Within the housing are two channels (161 and 162, shown as dashed lines)sized to accommodate the attachment member (e.g., cord). Channel 161 canhave an entry/exit point 157 a on the left side 158 of the housing, nearthe upper side 155; likewise, channel 162 can have an entry/exit point157 b on the right side 159 of the housing, near the upper side 155.Channels 161 and 162 extend from 157 a and 157 b towards lower side 156,and towards the middle of the housing, and have an exit points 157 c and157 d, respectively. Ends of the cord (167 and 168) are shown extendingout of channels 161 and 162 from the bottom side 156. The cord cancontinue out of channels 161 and 162 (via entry/exit points 157 c and157 d) and form loops from the left and right sides of the housing, andalong the left and right sides of the head respectively, and then returnto points 164 and 165 on the left 158 and right 159 sides of thehousing, near the lower side 156, where the cord may be fixed to thehousing. The length of the loops may be adjusted by feeding a length ofcord through the channels. Further, the cord can be secured using adepressible clamping member 151, which can include openings for eachcord, and which can clamp the cord in place using a spring mechanism.FIG. 13B shows a view of a housing from the lower side, withoutward-facing surface 152 and body-facing surface 154.

In some embodiments, the housing includes one movable member(s), such asa member that is rotatable in place, or movable in relation to thehousing, which allows the extension and/or retraction of a length ofcord from the housing. As an example, FIG. 14a shows a view of a housingwith outward-facing surface 172, with upper 175, lower 176, left 178,and right 179 sides. Within the housing is an upper space that allowspassage of the cord from an entry/exit point 177 a on the left side 178of the housing, near the upper side 175, to an entry/exit point 177 b onthe right side 178 of the housing, near the upper side 175. The housingalso includes a movable member 171, such as a disc or dial that isrotatably immobilized by a portion of the housing. A portion of themovable member 171 can protrude from the upper side 175 of the housing172, so that it can be manipulated by a user. Within the housing, themovable member 171 can contact a portion of the cord, for example, therotatable member can be attached to the cord. Upon rotation of themovable member 171, the cord is pulled further into the housing, causingshortening of its length, and therefore shortening of the length of theloop from the either or both side(s) of the housing. The movable member171 can also be rotated in the opposite direction so length of the cordis released from the housing, causing lengthening of the loop from theeither or both side(s) of the housing. The lower portion of the housingcan have a mirror arrangement of features, including entry/exit points177 c and 177 d and movable member 173, which function to shorten andlengthen the cord in the same manner. FIG. 14B shows a view of thehousing from the upper surface showing movable member 171.

Alternatively, the movable member 171 can be pushed towards the centerof the housing to cause shortening of the attachment member such as acord. For example, movable member 171 is in contact with attachmentmember at point 181 within the housing, and movement of the member 171towards the center of the housing draws length of the cord within thehousing to shorten its overall length outside of the housing. Member 171can be movable within a slot formed in the housing. The lower portion ofthe housing can have a mirror arrangement of features, includingentry/exit points 177 c and 177 d and movable member 173, which functionto shorten and lengthen the cord in the same manner.

As another example of a tensioning member, FIG. 15A shows a view of ahousing with outward-facing surface 192, with upper 195, lower 196, left198, and right 199 sides. Within the housing is an upper space thatallows passage of the cord from an entry/exit point 197 a on the leftside 198 of the housing to an entry/exit point 197 b on the right side198 of the housing. Also, within the housing is a lower space thatallows passage of the cord from an entry/exit point 197 c on the leftside 198 of the housing to an entry/exit point 197 d on the right side198 of the housing. The housing also includes a rotatable member 191,such as a disc or dial that is rotatably immobilized by a portion of thehousing, near the center of the housing. Within the housing, the cordscan be attached to the rotatable member 191 and can contact a portion ofthe cord. Upon rotation of the rotatable member 191, the cord is pulledfurther into the housing, causing shortening of its length, andtherefore shortening of the length of the loop from the either or bothside(s) of the housing. The rotatable member 191 can also be rotated inthe opposite direction so length of the cord is released from thehousing, causing lengthening of the loop from the either or both side(s)of the housing. The lower portion of the housing can have a mirrorarrangement of features, including entry/exit points 177 c and 177 d androtatable member 173, which function to shorten and lengthen the cord inthe same manner. Alternatively, length of the cord can be adjusted usingtwo entry/exit points instead of four. For example, the length of thecord can be adjusted through any two entry points on the left 198, right199, upper 195, or lower 196 sides.

In other embodiments, the attachment apparatus includes a tensioningmember that is attachable to the speaker enclosure or band of aheadphone set. For example, as another example of a tensioning member,FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate a housing 240 which can be positioned on theback of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine, andtwo cord loops (242 a-c, 244 a-c) and extending from the sides of thehousing towards and around attachment discs (245, 247) which include atensioning mechanism to cause shortening or lengthening of the cord. Thetensioning mechanism can include a dial that is attached to a portion ofthe cord to draw in or release the cord when the dial is turned in aclockwise or counterclockwise direction, respectively. The attachmentdiscs (245, 247) can be attached to the outer surface of the headphoneband 249 or speaker enclosures (241,243) through an adhesive or anattachment mechanism, such as a suction cup. Reference is made to FIG.18C, illustrating use of an adhesive to attach an attachment disc withtensioning mechanism.

The housing can also include a port for an electrical connection, orelectrical connections (e.g., wire) leading from the housing, to acharging outlet, headphone, smartphone, or similar peripheral device.The electrical connection can provide power and/or signal to theinternal components. In other arrangements the apparatus can include aBluetooth receiver, such as located within the housing, to providesignal to the low frequency vibration component. In this arrangement,the housing may also include a power source to drive the vibrationcomponent along with the signal. The power source could be provided by adisposable battery that is placed within the housing, or a rechargeablebattery could be permanently built into the housing.

The attachment member can be in the form of a cord that is attacheddirectly or indirectly connected to the housing. The portion of the cordthat is attached to the housing is referred to as the proximal portion,and the portion of the cord that is configured for removable attachmentto the ears or to speaker enclosures of a speaker set that is placedabout the ears is referred to as the distal portion. The distal portionof the cord can be in the form of a loop of a size that fits around thefront of the ear; for example, the proximal portion of the loop portionis configured to contact a user between the upper helix of the ear andthe skull and then down underneath the ear lobe. In this portion of theloop, the cord includes a material which stiffens the cord, or makes itless flexible and more rigid, and conformable to the shape of thisportion of the ear. Therefore, the cord may have a flexibility thatdiffers along its length, being more flexible at the proximal portionnear the housing, and less flexible at the distal portion.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are illustrations of an attachment audio deliverydevice in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The apparatushas a housing 200 which is positioned on the back of the neck of a user,over the uppermost portion of the spine, and two cord loops extendingfrom the sides of the housing towards the ears (201, 203) of the user.The right loop has right upper portion 202 a, right lower portion 202 c,and a right loop distal portion 202 b configured to go around the top,front, and bottom of the right ear 203. The left loop correspondinglyhas left upper portion 204 a, left lower portion 204 c, and a left loopdistal portion 204 b (not shown) configured to go around the top, front,and bottom of the left ear 201. The distal portion of the loop aroundthe ear (202 b, 204 b) can be of the same material and constructionportions 202 a and 202 c, and 204 a and 204 c, or can be of a differentmaterial and/or construction. If of a different material and/orconstruction, the distal portion of the loop around the ear (202 b, 204b) can have one or more of the following properties to facilitateplacement around the ear: increased rigidity of the cord, a differenttexture or material on the outside of the cord, and/or a different shapeand/or thickness of the cord.

Similar to the device shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the device of 16Cincludes housing 360 for the vibration component, with right and leftloops (362 a-c, 364 a-c) configured to go around the ears or speakerenclosures at their distal ends. The device of 16D includes housing 370for the vibration component, with right and left loops (372 a-c, 374a-c) configured to go around the ears or speaker enclosures at theirdistal ends, and a material, such as a fabric or plastic between theupper and lower portions of the loops (372 a and c, and 374 a and c).

FIGS. 17A-17C are illustrations of an attachment audio delivery devicein accordance with one embodiment of the invention, attached to aheadphone set. The apparatus has a housing 210 which is positioned onthe back of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine,and two cord loops (212 a-c, 214 a-c) and extending from the sides ofthe housing towards and around rigid speaker enclosures (211, 213) of aheadphone set. The rigid speaker enclosures (211, 213) can be betweenear padding for the headphones and a headphone band 219. The right loophas right upper portion 212 a, right lower portion 212 c, which do notcontact the speaker enclosure of the headset. The right loop also hasportion 212 b, which is configured to contact the speaker enclosure onit upper, forward, and bottom portions. The distal portion of the loops(212 b, 214 b) around the rigid speaker enclosures can have one or moreof the following properties to facilitate its placement around theenclosures: increased rigidity of the cord, a different texture ormaterial on the outside of the cord, and/or a different shape and/orthickness of the cord.

Similar to the device of FIGS. 17A-17C, the device of FIG. 17D includeshousing 380 for the vibration component, with right and left loops (382a-c, 384 a-c) configured to go around speaker enclosures (383, 385) attheir distal ends, and a material, such as a fabric or plastic betweenthe upper and lower portions of the loops (382 a and c, and 384 a andc).

FIGS. 18A-18C are illustrations of an attachment audio delivery devicein accordance with another embodiment of the invention, attached to aheadphone set. The apparatus has a housing 210 which is positioned onthe back of the neck of a user, over the uppermost portion of the spine,and two cord loops (222 a-c, 224 a-c) and extending from the sides ofthe housing towards and around attachment discs (225, 227). Theattachment discs (225, 227) are attached to the outer surface of thespeaker enclosures (221, 223) through an adhesive or an attachmentmechanism, such as a suction cup. For example, with reference to FIG.18C, the attachment disc 227 can have a speaker-facing face 235 with anadhesive that can contact the outward-facing face of the speakerenclosure 223. An adhesive lining can be peeled away to expose theadhesive so a user can apply the disc 227 to a speaker enclosure. Thedisc 227 can also include a groove 231 around all or part of thecircumference of the disc, defined by two ridges (234, 232). Theattachment member can be looped around disc 227 and held within thegroove 231.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a wearable audio delivery and monitoringdevice 90 that is placed around the back of neck, and not over the ears,and contains one or more speakers, physiological sensors and/ortherapeutic delivery components 96. Output information may betransmitted to a user's computer or smartphone so the user can utilizethe information to increase performance. In related embodiments, due tothe close proximity or contact with the user's skin, the devices taughtherein include sensors that detect body temperature, humidity levels,chemical levels emitted by the body and detectable at skin level andother physiological functions that are detectable noninvasively and canbe used to assess the health of the user.

In yet other embodiments, the disclosure provides an integrated audiodelivery apparatus. The term “integrated” refers to arrangements wherethe housing including the vibration transduction component configuredfor placement at the back on the neck is non-removably attached tospeaker components configured for use in or about the ear, such asheadphones and earbuds. In some embodiments, the integrated audiodelivery apparatus includes a housing including a vibration speaker orvibration transduction component configured to be placed on the back ofthe neck and over the spine, right and left ear bud or headphone speakerenclosures for the ear, and right and left attachment members connectingthe housing to the right and left ear bud or headphone speakerenclosures.

In one embodiment of an integrated apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 1Aand 1B. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a wearable audio delivery and/ormonitoring device 10, such as over-the-ear headphones, that incorporatevibration speakers or similar transduction members, as well asphysiological sensors 16. The device is designed to be placed on theback of the neck and extends to the ears. This wearable device can beconnected to an output device by a cable, wire, or wireless methods.Other items such as a control board, audio file, amplifier, equalizer,battery, wireless or similar components 12 can be incorporated into thedevice, and can include controls 22 for power, volume selection, LED,and charger. The over-the-ear speakers 14 a and 14 b can be similar toexisting commercially available over-the-ear devices, and deliverymethods. Arms (13 a, 13 b) can extend between the speakers (14 a, 14 b)and a housing 31. The clamp and compression attachment method of FIGS.1A and 1B can be similar to behind the neck earmuffs that include atension member capable of rolling up when not in use and providingtension against the head when in use. This allows for the device to beheld in place on the back of the neck and does not require an over thetop head-band component.

In related embodiments, the devices illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D canalso include portions that similar to behind the neck earmuffs thatinclude a tension member. For example, in FIG. 1C the apparatus includesa vibration speaker 326 and arms (323 a, 323 b) that extend over theears, but that do not necessarily include in-ear or over-the-earspeakers. In FIG. 1D the apparatus includes a vibration speaker 336 andarms (333 a, 333 b) that extend over the ears attached to over the earspeakers (334 a, 334 b).

In further detail, FIG. 2 illustrates a wearable audio delivery and/ormonitoring device 20 with features and functionalities similar to thedevice of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the wearable audio delivery and/ormonitoring device 20 includes an over the head member 28 to help keepthe device in place. The device 20 can also include vibration speakersor similar transduction members, or physiological sensors 26; a controlboard, audio file, amplifier, equalizer, battery, wireless or similarcomponents 22; controls 22 for power, volume selection, LED, andcharger; and over-the-ear speakers 24 a and 24 b.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is an integrated wearable audio deliveryand/or monitoring device 30 that incorporates vibration speakers 36 orsimilar transduction members, and/or monitoring sensors, into headphonesthat go around the back of the head and to the ears, is described. Thedevice 30 can include attachment arms (33 a, 33 b) between the earphones(33 a, 33 b) and a housing 31 around the vibration speakers 36 orsimilar transduction members, and/or monitoring sensors. In an exampleembodiment, the control board 32 and other components can be placed in aseparate housing and connected to an audio output device 37, thusdecreasing the weight and size of the wearable audio delivery andmonitoring device 30.

Referring to FIG. 4, show is a wearable audio delivery and/or monitoringdevice 40 that incorporates a system of attaching vibration speakers 46or similar transduction members, and/or sensors configured for placementon the back of the neck, and also including in or over the ear buds (44a, 44 b), which can be connected to the audio output through wired orwireless features. The vibration speakers 46 or similar transductionmember may be within a device housing 41, which can be attached directlyto the collar, hatband or inside a pouch located in the collar with theuse of a clip 49 or similar mechanism.

FIG. 5 shows a wearable audio delivery and monitoring device 50 thatincorporates a vibration speaker 56 or similar transduction members,and/or health monitoring sensors, placed on the back of the neck andassociated with the back of a helmet or hat 58, such as by attachmenttab 57. Ear buds (54 a, 54 b), can be connected to the audio outputthrough wired or wireless features, and optionally attached to the sideof the helmet or hat 58 with attachment tab 53 b (attachment tab 53 anot shown). The helmet or hat 58 may be worn during activities requiringa helmet such as skiing, snowboarding, hockey, or other similaractivities.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a wearable audio delivery and/or monitoringdevice 70 includes vibration speakers 76 or similar transduction memberslocated on the back of the neck, is described. The device 70 alsoincludes an over the head member 78 to help keep the device in place, inor over-the-ear speakers 74 a and 74 b, and attachment arms (73 a, 73 b)between the earphones and a housing 71 around the vibration speaker 76.In an example embodiment, the wearable audio delivery and monitoringdevice 70 includes a microphone 77 to communicate with others, such asthose used in gaming. In an example embodiment, wearable audio deliveryand monitoring device 70 is capable of connecting to a gaming systemsuch as Xbox®, PS3 ®, games on a smartphone or handheld device, or anyother similar device. The audio sensory information and vibrationalenergy generated by signals from the game may be delivered to the userthrough wearable audio delivery and monitoring device 70. In analternative embodiment, users using electronic devices to practiceflying or driving may wear a wearable audio delivery and monitoringdevice 70. In still another alternative embodiment, users cancommunicate with professionals such as doctors to receive and deliverdiagnoses and therapies.

Similar to FIG. 7A, of device 340 of FIG. 7B includes a vibrationspeaker 346 or similar transduction members located on the back of theneck, headband 348 to help keep the device in place, over-the-earspeakers 344 a and 344 b, and attachment arms (343 a, 343 b) between theearphones and a housing 71 around the vibration speaker 76.

FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a wearable audio delivery and monitoring device 80that is attached, incorporated into or in conjunction with wearingglasses 89, headsets such as for virtual reality experiences or eyecovering. This embodiment holds the speakers (84 a, 84 b) over or nearthe ears, and allows for vibration speakers, sensors, or similartransduction member 86 to be attached around the back of the head. Thedevice includes sleeves (83 a, 83 b) in which distal portion of theeyeglass temples (i.e., temple tips) can be placed. The sleeves can bemade of an elastomeric material. The wearable glasses 89 may be glasseswithout corrective lenses, glasses with corrective lenses, or otherlenses known in the art. An additional benefit of this embodiment couldbe used in conjunction with travel masks or eye covers where thevibratory members can enhance relaxation, relieve anxiety and calmness.FIG. 8C illustrates a device having transduction member 356, input cord357, and sleeves (353 a, 353 b), which is not attached to eyeglasses.

Another embodiment of an integrated apparatus is illustrated in FIGS.20A-20B. The integrated apparatus has a housing 250 which is configuredto be positioned on the back of the neck of a user, over the uppermostportion of the spine, and two cord loops (252 a-c, 254 a-c) extendingfrom the sides of the housing towards the ears of the user. The rightloop has right upper portion 252 a, right lower portion 252 c, and aright loop distal portion 252 b attached or associated with an ear bud256, which is configured to be placed within the user's right ear. Acorresponding arrangement is on the left side of the apparatus (leftwith left upper portion 252 a, left lower portion 252 c, etc.). Withinthe housing is an upper space that allows passage of the cord from anentry/exit point 257 a on the left side of the housing to an entry/exitpoint 257 b on the right side of the housing. The lower portion of thehousing can have a mirror arrangement of features, including entry/exitpoints 257 c and 257 d, or the cord can be affixed at these corners. Thehousing 250 can also include a rotatable member 251, such as a disc ordial that is rotatably immobilized by a portion of the housing, near thecenter of the housing, which, upon its rotation, can cause the cord tobe pulled into the housing, or released from the housing when turned theother way. The length of the cord can be adjusted using two entry/exitpoints or four entry/exit points. Similar to the device of FIG. 20A, thedevice of FIG. 23 includes a housing 390 with vibration speaker orsimilar transduction members configured to be located on the back of theneck, and two cord loops (392 a-c, 394 a-c) extending from the sides ofthe housing towards the ears of the user, and ear buds (396, 398).

The earbuds as shown in the integrated apparatus of FIGS. 20A-20B canreceive signal via wired or wireless components. If a wire is used toprovide signal, the wire (not shown in FIGS. 20A-20C) can run along thelength of the upper portion (e.g., 252 a) or lower portion (e.g., 252 c)of the loop of cord, towards and into the housing 250. Using a loop ofcord that is flexible and stretchable, the extra length of wire can bebunched and attached to the cord at intervals along the cords length toaccommodate for the stretching of the cord when it is pulled towards theears. If a wireless component (e.g., Bluetooth) is used to providesignal, the receiver can be located as a part of the earbud assembly256. The earbud assembly can also include a small battery, which can bedisposable or rechargeable. If the battery is rechargeable, the housing251 can include one or more induction components (261, 263) so thebatteries of the ear buds can be charged when not in use. For example,with reference to FIG. 20B, the cord loops (252 a-c, 254 a-c), can beretracted into the housing 250 and the earbuds (256, 258) can be placedproximal to the induction components (261, 263) to charge the batteriesin the earbud assemblies.

In some embodiments, an earbud member comprises features as illustratedin FIG. 21. Earbud assembly 276 includes a central portion 273 that ispositioned over the ear canal and that houses an earbud speaker, andoptionally battery and receiver (Bluetooth) components. Upper centralportion 275 can have a shape that conforms to a portion of the concha.The earbud assembly 276 also includes a channel portion configured toaccommodate a portion of the attachment member, such as a cord. Forexample, the channel portion can be in the form of a curved tube havinga first upper portion 281 that is configured to be placed between theupper helix 288 of the ear and the head, a second upper portion 283,configured to curve downward toward the tragus of the ear, a middleportion 285 that is connected to the central portion 273 of the earbudmember and configured to reside over the tragus of the ear, and a lowerportion configured to be adjacent to the earlobe 286. The earbudassembly also has an upper opening 278 in which the upper portion 272 aof the loop of cord enters/exits, and a lower opening 279 which theupper portion 272 c of the loop of cord enters/exits. The earbud member276 can be made from a semi-flexible semi-rigid material, such aspoly(ethylene), poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), and poly(urethane).

Another embodiment of an integrated apparatus is illustrated in FIGS.22A-22D. The integrated apparatus has a housing 300 which is configuredto be positioned on the back of the neck of a user, over the uppermostportion of the spine. Two cord loops (302 a-c, 304 a-c) extend from thesides of the housing and attach to rotatable members (305, 307), such asdiscs or dials, are associated with the outer surface of the headphoneband 309. (Alternatively, the rotatable members (305, 307) areassociated with the outer surface of the speaker enclosures (301, 303)).The right loop has right upper portion 302 a, right lower portion 302 c,and a right loop distal portion 302 b affixed to rotatable members 305.A corresponding arrangement is on the left side of the apparatus (leftwith left upper portion 302 a, left lower portion 302 c, etc.).Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, in use, the user can place the housing300 on the back of the neck and the speaker enclosures (301, 303) withsoft pads (311, 313) about the ears. For example, the housing 300 withtwo cord loops (302 a-c, 304 a-c) can be at an angle in the range ofabout 80° to about 140°, or about 950 to about 125° to the headphoneband 309.

Referring to FIGS. 22C and 22D, when the vibration transductioncomponent in the housing is not in use the user can rotate the rotatablemembers (305, 307) so the two cord loops (302 a-c, 304 a-c) are swungupwards and aligned with the headphone band 309, and so to place thehousing on the outside surface of the headphone band 309. If needed, thecord loops (302 a-c, 304 a-c) can be loosened or tightened at thehousing to provide a desired tension at the back of the neck in use, andover the top of the headphone band 309 during storage.

The various embodiments described herein improve upon existing audio andvideo content delivery headsets such as headphones, virtual reality,augmented reality or other such headsets that are used when playinggames, listening to music or watching videos. By including a vibratorycontent delivery method that is held in place on the spine, the user'smobile audio experience is enhanced. Additionally, by including a placeand method to release olfactory stimulation over or near the nose, wehelp to create a multi-sensory experience to consumers wherever theyare. In a related embodiment, it is also taught herein that variousforms of content, such as audio, video, vibratory, and olfactory sensorystimulation, can be created and delivered through the describedembodiments to teach, improve, entertain and heal an individual. As anexample, an included embodiment illustrates where a medical professionalcould record and deliver multi-sensory content to help a patient with aspecific condition. As another example, a parent could use recordedmulti-sensory content to help their child with conditions.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-36, FIG. 26 illustrates a mobile contentdelivery headset such as a virtual or augmented reality headset thatdelivers recorded content that can be seen, heard, felt and smelled. Theheadset receives recorded content and delivers video through a face oreyepiece or viewing display 600. Auditory content is delivered throughvarious types of speakers or transducers that are attached or integratedinto the headset system and worn over, on or near ears 601, as well asthrough a tactile transducer that is placed over a spine 602. It isenvisioned that other auditory delivery methods such as bone conductioncould be incorporated into the headset as well. An over-the-head strap603 that holds the eyepiece 600 in place is shown. Additionally, itisenvisioned that olfactory receptacles could be included in the eyepieceor system and when activated, could release smells in conjunction withthe content over or near a user's nose.

Referring now to FIG. 27, and similar to FIG. 26, there is illustratedan example embodiment of a mobile content delivery headset such as avirtual, mixed or augmented reality headset with included visual 600,auditory 601 and tactile 602 sensory stimulation components.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example embodiment of an adjustable connectionassembly or system 604 for attaching a tactile transducer component 605to an adjustable audio delivery arm 606 of a mobile content deliveryheadset. The adjustable audio delivery arm could have similar featuresas over the head headphones, and could be made from such materials asplastic, rubber or similar stretchable materials. The adjustableconnection assembly could be made from adjustable and pliable materialssuch as elastic or similar. This embodiment allows the transducer to beheld in place on the back of the neck and top of the spine.Additionally, it allows the transducer to move freely and delivertactile vibrations to the user. Also shown are manual controls, such asfor volume, for both the transducer component 607 and the speaker on theears 608. This manual adjustability of each component allows the user tocustomize the user's audio experience.

Referring now to FIG. 29, this figure illustrates a side view of amobile content delivery system with a different shape. Rather thanattaching the audio arm and earpieces 610, an in-ear earphone set 613 isprovided adjacent the user's ears and to the side of the video eyepiece611. This description illustrates how the earpieces can attach to thetop of the eyepiece that hangs from the forehead and over the eyes. Thebenefit of this product feature allows the tactile transducer component612 to be held in place on a user's spine without bending the audioarms.

FIG. 30 illustrates a mobile content delivery system that is a fullyintegrated system with video 615, audio 616 and tactile 617 deliverycomponents. Construction materials are envisioned to be similar to othertypes of wearable electronics products. The benefit of this system isthe lightweight, all-inclusive, comfortable design that molds to theuser's head. Additionally, the arms have a conforming bended shapebehind the ears 618 to allow the tactile transducer to be held in placeon the spine.

Referring now to FIG. 31, there is illustrated a mobile content deliverysystem with similar features as FIG. 30. The primary difference betweenthe two is the use of in-ear speakers 620 compared to other designs thatshow over or even on ear speakers.

FIG. 32 illustrates a mobile content delivery system that incorporatesan over-the-head band 625, similar to over the head headphones. Thebenefit over other described embodiments is the ability to shorten theover-the-head eyepiece attachment 626 so it does not go all the way tothe back of a user's head. This is especially beneficial for users withlonger hair.

Referring now to FIG. 33, there is illustrated a mobile content deliveryheadset with an over-the-head attachment system 630 that holds aneyepiece 631 and tactile component 632 securely in place. Audio deliveryarms 633 such as over, on or in-ear speakers are attached to and extendfrom the eyepiece.

FIG. 34 illustrates a mobile content delivery headset similar to otherembodiments with the improvement being an adjustable feature 635 thatallows components such as the tactile transducer 636 to moveindependently but fit snugly. Additional features include accordion orspring designs, stretchable materials such as elastic, sliding rails,and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 35, there is illustrated a mobile content deliveryheadset, similar to FIG. 29, but without the eyepiece. The shape issimilar to a headband or hairband and circumferential around the user'shead to hold the audio delivery speakers 640 and tactile transducer 641in place.

FIG. 36 illustrates a mobile content delivery headset with speakers orsimilar transduction components placed inside the materials and worndirectly over, on or near the user's ears 645. This feature isbeneficial in that it simplifies the construction of the headset.

Referring now to FIGS. 37-54, the various embodiments described hereindescribe a wired or wireless headphone or headset system with variousattachments and hooking configurations and methods. Constructionmaterials are similar to other headphones or headsets, includingplastic, metals, synthetics and softer materials such as mesh and foam.Attachment fixtures are shown herein on the rear and bottom of theheadphone ear cup for attachment around the back of the neck, but it isenvisioned the attachment mechanisms could be anywhere on the ear cup,such as on the front to attach glasses, virtual reality (VR) oraugmented reality (AR) goggles, on the bottom to attach accessories, aswell as on the headband for other types of attachments. Additionally,the headphone design described herein shows the attachment methods inone design, such as over the head, but it is envisioned that the methodsand teachings could be incorporated into any type of headphone, headsetor helmet design. Also, the attachment fixture molds are shown on theinside headphone mold, but it is envisioned that the fixtures could besecured on the outer ear cup or headband mold as well. Additionally, itis envisioned that the various attachment fixtures shown herein could beincorporated into the headphone mold, rather than a separate component,as well as part of an assembly that is wrapped around or affixed to theheadphone mold. Also, the descriptions and images detail embodimentsthat attach to both left and right-side ear cups, but it is envisionedthat accessories that attach to only one point of the headphone.

Now in more detail to FIG. 37 is described a headphone worn on or aboutthe head with an attached component 702 held in place by attachmentmembers 103. Similar to the other figures, the headphone type shown isover the head 701, but it is envisioned that other types of headphonescould be used. The headphone has ear cups on each ear that comprise earcushions 704, inner ear cup molds 705 and outer ear cup molds 706. Theattached or attachable component can be various forms of stimulationsuch as visual or video, auditory, vibratory, electrical, thermal,olfactory or wind, as well as other types of accessories such as power,decorative, lighting or monitoring. The component can be held in placeor worn in numerous places such as the back of the neck, on the head,and on the face.

The attachment members can be made from rigid, semi rigid, semi flexibleor flexible materials. The attachment members connect to each headphoneear cup using various types of methods or fixtures 707. As shown, theattachment member connects to the back of each ear cup through a loopingmechanism around a fixture in the headphone ear cup, which will bedescribed below. The attachment members can connect directly to acomponent, can hold a component in a suspendable pouch-type method, andalso hold a component in a particular position via rigid or bar-likemethods.

Now in greater detail to FIG. 38 is described a representative component721 with attachment members 722. The attachment members can bemanufactured from a variety of soft and flexible materials, such aselastic or mesh, to allow the component to be worn comfortably in place,such as around the back of the neck or around the eyes. Additionally,the attachment members can be manufactured from more rigid materialssuch as plastic or metal, to hold the component securely in place. As anexample, rigid mechanisms or arms could be inserted or attached to thefront of the headphone and extended in front of the face or eyes of theuser such as to attach a virtual or augmented reality eyepiece orprojection device to it. The benefit of this approach is to create amodular headphone attachment system where the user can select from avariety of attachment members and attachable components to attach totheir headphones. The attachment members can attach to the headphone earcups on each end 723 by a variety of established methods such asVelcro®, latches, loops, pegs, rods, snaps, magnets, anchors, buckles orthe like.

Now in greater detail to FIG. 39 is described a headphone with anincorporated component attachment system with attachment fixtures 751 ineach ear cup mold. Here, the fixtures are shown as part of the innerheadphone ear cup 752 but the fixtures or attachment configurationscould be in other places on the headphone. The fixtures allow the userto attach various types of accessories, components or stimulationdevices to the headphone system. Another benefit of such a design is thefixtures are recessed inside the mold, thus hiding the fixtures when notneeded for component attachment. The fixtures are shown on the bottom ofeach ear cup so as to hold a component in place on the back of the neck,but it is envisioned they could be placed anywhere in or about the earcup.

FIGS. 40 through 45 describe in greater detail different embodiments ofa representative attachment system using modular fixtures that are apart of, in addition to, or attached to, headphones and headsets. Whilemany types of fixtures are disclosed, it is envisioned other types, suchas rod inserts, snaps and magnets, could be incorporated; therefore, theinvention should also include these fixture or attachment methods.Construction materials of the attachment fixtures could include metal,plastic or similar hardened material that can support and hold the itemsattached to it.

FIG. 40 describes in greater detail one representative method forincluding an attachment fixture 801 in a headphone inner ear cup mold802. The fixture shown has a slotted opening 803 to allow for easyattachment or removal of the attachment members, such as a loop of astretchable band. The fixture can be molded in the ear cup, attacheddirectly to the ear cup, and secured around predetermined molds in theear cup 804. Construction materials of the attachment fixture can bestrong and lightweight, such as plastic or metal. Screw holes 805 areshown that connect the inner and outer ear cup molds together.

FIG. 41 describes an attachment fixture 761 by itself that is solid andhas no slots. The attachment member can be looped through and passedaround the fixture or can be connected via other methods such as Velcro,snaps or rings. The main benefit of this design is the secure attachmentto the headphone.

Now in greater detail to FIG. 42 is described an attachment fixture 853to accommodate a depressible locking mechanism similar to those found onwatchbands and other wearable products, as well as rigid members withdepressible locking mechanisms that insert into receptor holes to lockthe members into place. The user can depress a locking mechanism 851 onthe end of the attachment member 852, to connect or disconnect it fromthe fixture. It is envisioned the locking mechanism can be on theheadphone as well. It is also envisioned the mechanism could have adifferent shape but a similar functionality, such as a smaller fixturewith a deeper mold to hold a rigid attachment rod, such as for virtualreality goggles, in place.

FIG. 43 describes an attachment fixture with a hinge mechanism 871 andlocking feature 872, similar to carabiner connectors that are used incamping. FIG. 44 describes an attachment fixture with a loop 891 thatextends farther outside of the headphone ear cup mold than otherdescribed fixtures. The benefits of such a design are to allow foreasier attachment to the headphone, as well as for larger or irregularshaped attachment members. In greater detail to FIG. 45 describes anattachment fixture with a removable screw or pin 901, similar towatchband or camping attachments, which can screw into the other side ofthe fixture 902 to secure the attachment member to the fixture.

FIG. 46 describes how a slot or attachment fixture 1001 can be moldedinto or placed onto the headphone ear cup 1002 to allow variousattachment members to connect to or pass through it. The benefit of thismethod is to eliminate the need for an additional or extra fixture piecelike detailed above. Now in more detail to FIG. 47A is a section view ofFIG. 46 showing how the slot or attachment fixture 1101 can be cut ormolded where the attachment member can connect through the outer ear cupmold 1102. Section view of an inner ear cup mold 1103 and ear cushion1104 are also shown, and it is envisioned that the attachment fixturemechanism can be included in these as well. Various forms of electronicsand speaker components can reside in these ear cup molds. FIG. 47B showsin greater detail the section view of FIG. 46 where the slot orattachment fixture 1110 is cut or molded into the ear cup where theattachment member passes through an inner channel. This inner channel isshown in the outer ear cup mold 1111 but could be in the inner mold1112.

FIG. 48 describes in greater detail a different but similar method toconnect an attachment member 1200 to a headphone or headphone ear cup1201. Female holes, snaps, magnets or slots 1202 are molded or placedinto the headphone ear cup and the opposite or male counterpart or post1203 is placed on the end of the attachment member. The female slots areshown in one position on the headphone, but it is envisioned the slotscould be placed anywhere on the headphone assembly. FIG. 49 describes ingreater detail how the male post 1300 described in FIG. 12 is slid into,snapped, magnetized and connected to the female hole on the headphone,shown on the outer ear cup 1301 to secure the attachment member inplace, but could be on the inner mold 1302 as well.

FIG. 50 describes a similar headphone attachment method to FIGS. 48 and49. Here, the male posts 1400 are molded into the headphone ear cup moldand the female counterpart or slot 1401 is placed in the componentattachment member 1402. FIG. 51 describes in greater detail how thefemale slot on the attachment member is secured to the male post 1500 onthe headphone ear cup. The male posts are shown on the outside of theouter ear cup 1501 but it is envisioned they could be on the innerportion of the outer ear cup or in the inner cup 1502.

Now in greater detail to FIG. 52, a headphone attachment method similarto FIG. 4 is shown. In this embodiment, rather than placing the fixture1600 around the ear cup mold to secure in place, the fixture, here shownwith a slot 1603 but could be shaped like other methods describedherein, is larger and is attached directly to the ear cup via a screw1601 or similar attachment method. Similar to other Figures, it isenvisioned that the fixtures could be included in the outer or innerheadphone ear cup, or in the headphone headband 1602.

Now in greater detail to FIG. 53 is shown a representative view of amodular headphone attachment system with various components andattachment members connecting to headphones in various receptaclepositions on and around the headphone ear cups through the fixturesdescribed herein 1700. Neck-based components 1701 can be worn around theback of the head and neck with attachment members 1702. Such componentscould include but are not limited to stimulation or monitoring devices,and power or lighting accessories. As an example use, a mobile user canattach a device, with methods described similar to above, that containsand releases olfactory smells that correlate to content being playedthrough their headphone, similar to rides at amusement parks such as“Soaring over California” at Disney®.

Face or forehead-worn components 1703 can be worn on or about the eyes,around the forehead or in front of the face with flexible or rigidattachment members 1704. Such components could include but are notlimited to virtual or augmented reality glasses or video projectiondevices, lighting accessories, cameras, fans, eye covers, foreheadmonitoring or stimulation devices. One example use is a user wanting tojoin a virtual cycling training class can insert a video projection oraugmented reality device into the front of our headphones to playcontent that displays in front of them similar to Peloton® but withoutthe fixed screen. The benefit is that through augmented lenses, contentcan be projected in front of the user that mimics virtual riders passingin front of near them while riding. A rider can listen to an instructorthrough the headphone ear speakers and hear the cars going past them.Additionally, with a tactile unit on the neck, users can feel thevirtual content in real time of going over bumps in the road or gettingbumped by other riders.

While not shown here, it is also envisioned to provide a headphonesystem with channels in each ear cup facing to the front of the user'sface that facilitate easy placement of reading glasses. The main benefitof this embodiment of the invention is to relieve the pressure thatexisting over or on ear headphone styles put on users who wear glasseswith arms that rest between the top of the ear and the head. By placinga channel in the headphone or headphone ear cup so the user can insertthe arms of their glasses inside them, the user can eliminate thesqueeze and uncomfortable feeling caused by the pressure of traditionalheadphone ear cups on the arms around the ears.

Other components 1705 can connect to the bottom of the ear cups withvarious types of attachment members 1706. Such components could includebut are not limited to decorative or lighting accessories, cameradevices or power accessories. As an example, in surgery, a doctor intraining could wear the headphones to receive audio instruction fromanother surgeon, attach a video recording accessory on one ear and alighting accessory on the other to display the surgical procedure to theobserving physician. The benefit is through a single head-worn system,content can be seen, recorded, shared and commented on with manyparticipants at one time.

FIG. 54 describes a modular headphone attachment system with a component1800 that is attached to headphones and connected to other externaldevices 1801 via wires or cables 1802, or wirelessly and remotely. Whilewe describe an external device connecting to a component wrapped on theneck, it is envisioned the device could connect or interact withcomponents attached to other areas of the headphone. These externaldevices could include but are not limited to power sources, computers,diagnostic machines, fitness or wellness equipment, rehabilitationequipment, training equipment, or other types of control units such asmobile devices.

One representative embodiment of a treatment application is a patient,such as a child, undergoing a surgical procedure and instead of using asedative to relax them, placing a modular headphone system that isconnected to an outside source of content. The patient can select thetype of content they wish to use as a distraction, and the types ofstimulative accessories, such as vibration, video, olfactory or thermal,to connect to the audio receptor in the headphones to help them relax.The benefit being is that the patient does not need to be administereddrugs before, during or after the procedure.

Another example use of this embodiment is a remote medical provider canassess, diagnose and deliver various forms of wearable therapy to theuser who is wearing the headphone with an attached diagnostic andtherapeutic delivery component. This way, the patients can be in theirhomes or other location and can receive non-invasive therapies fromdoctors in remote locations. Another example of this embodiment is theuser can receive instructional content from an outside source, which isdelivered through the headphone system with an attached vibratorycomponent on the neck and a virtual reality headset on the eyes, whichsimultaneously sends a wireless vibratory signal to a handheld golf orbaseball swing trainer. The result is a multi-modal training system thatactivates the brain and body in multiple ways at the same time.

Referring now to FIGS. 55-58, in a related embodiment, there is providedin-ear style transducers in which there is placed a vibrationtransducer, vibration speaker or similar transduction output methodinside the housing of in-earphones or hearing aids that are worn in eachear canal, so when music, audio and other forms of digital content isplayed through them, they deliver low frequency tactile vibrationoutput, in addition to audio output, to the user. Sound consists ofvibration that can be heard and felt by the body. Current earphones andhearing aids have very small speakers that can only play music and soundthat can be heard. However, if you strike a tuning fork and hold thefork end next to your ear, you can hear the audio vibration, and if yougently place the straight end into your ear canal, you can feel thetactile vibration. By adding vibration transducers, vibration speakersor similar transduction output devices into each earphone or hearing aidhousing and placing the housing into the ears, the user will also beable to feel the tactile vibrations in the sound output. There areseveral advantages for the user: experience music like they are at alive event; they can experience movies like they are at a theater; theycan feel like they are sitting in a vibration gaming chair wherever theyare; if they have hearing loss in low frequencies, they can feel andhear the sound output as most hearing aids only deliver frequencies downto 125 Hz; they can use with vibration-based content as a bimodal (hear,feel) restorative wearable that activates the brain to help relax,improve balance and reduce pain; they can have balance activated throughvibrational content that's delivered when the accelerometer in theearphones detects a fall; they can have relaxing vibrational contentdelivered when the heart rate sensor detects stress; they can work withother software, such as live entertainment events, to deliver thefeeling of bass; they can stimulate both the auditory and peripheralsensory systems at the same time to reduce pain and relieve anxiety; aswell as many other uses.

Specifically, FIG. 55 illustrates a side view of the left ear 2012 withan earphone device 2010 inserted inside the ear or ear canal 2013. Theshape of the device 2010 is for illustrative purposes only and canresemble any shape of currently available earphones or hearing aids. Inthis example embodiment, an outer shell 2011 of earphone device 2010includes control buttons or lights on the surface and includeselectronics integrated inside. There could also include various methodsto hold the earphone in place inside the ear 2013. The device 2010 couldbe connected via wires 2014 or alternatively via wireless connections(Bluetooth or RF).

FIG. 56 illustrates a representative cut away view of earphone device2020 located inside a user's ear/ear canal 2022. The vibration speaker,transducer or similar vibratory output method or device 2021 is attacheddirectly to the outer shell or housing 2023 so that when sound is playedand the transducer is activated, the outer shell 2023 transmits thevibration to the user so he/she can feel the vibrations inside the earcanal 2022. It is envisioned that the earphone device 2020 would have anouter layer 2029 made from a softer and more pliable material (such assilicone) to securely and comfortably hold it in place. Other componentsare included (not shown in detailed but housed by housing 2023) such ascontrol board electronics 2028, battery 2027 and additional speakers2026, in addition to heart rate assessments, accelerometers, and otherdiagnostic components, could also be included. In this exampleembodiment, earphone device 2020 is held in place with structures orelongate members extending from a base 2024 (or could be an over the earattachment member) and can be connected to or driven by wires or cables2025.

FIG. 57 illustrates a cut away view of a different earphone device 2030embodiment where the vibration transducer 2031 is placed in an outerportion 2030A of device 2030 to allow for more room for transducer 2031.The transducer can still be secured directly to the outer housing 2032through attachment to an internal section of the housing 2033. The otherelectronics and components (not shown in detailed), such as battery andspeaker components 2034 can be placed in the end of the earphone device2030, which is placed inside the ear canal 2035 of the ear 2036. It isalso envisioned that the earphones can remotely or wirelesslycommunicate via RF or Bluetooth waves 2037 with other devices orsoftware.

The following patents and publications are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties: U.S. Publication Nos. 2012/0253236 A1; US2015/0038886; and US 2017/0135896; and International Publication No. WO2013/122870 A1.

The foregoing specific embodiments of the present invention as set forthin the specification herein are for illustrative purposes only. Variousdeviations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope ofthe invention without departing from the main theme thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable vibrational delivery apparatuscomprising: (a) a housing comprising at least one vibration speaker orvibration transduction component located therein, the housing adapted tobe positioned on a back of a neck and on an uppermost portion of a spineof a user, and (b) a headband adapted to be circumferential around orover a user's head and adapted to be connected directly or indirectlyconnected to the housing, wherein the headband comprises a flexible andstretchable non-rigid material adapted to prevent low frequencyvibrational bleed through from the at least one vibration speaker orvibration transduction component to the user's ears.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the housing has a curvature structure adapted toaccommodate the user's skull.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thehousing including the at least one vibration speaker or vibrationtransduction component has a weight of no greater than 55 grams.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a set of wired in-ear audiodelivery devices integrated into and protruding from the headband. 5.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one of an augmented realityaccessory and a virtual reality accessory attachable to the headband. 6.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing and the transductioncomponent are adapted to delivery and receive sensory content and datato a user.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing has one ormore openings or channels in which the headband moves through.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the headband comprises an inner elasticmaterial and an outer fabric material.
 9. A headphone or speaker setconfigured to be placed about the ears including an attachment systemfor facilitating the attachment of wearable audio, video and/orvibrational delivery devices to the headphone set, the headphone setcomprising: a first and a second ear cup connected therebetween by aheadband having a connection on an outer surface of each of the earcups; and at least one structural attachment configuration formed in theouter surface of each of the ear cups located away from the headbandconnection.
 10. The headphone set of claim 9 wherein each attachmentconfiguration comprises a loop portion.
 11. The headphone set of claim 9wherein each attachment configuration comprises a slot configuration.12. The headphone set of claim 11 wherein each attachment configurationcomprises at least one of: a) the slot and a mating post configurationand b) a plurality of slots and corresponding mating postsconfiguration.
 13. The headphone set of claim 9 further comprising awearable component including (a) a housing comprising at least onevibration speaker or vibration transduction component, the housingconfigured to be positioned on the back of the neck and using anyone ofthe following forms of stimulation thermal, electrical and olfactory,and (b) right and left attachment members with a proximal portiondirectly or indirectly connected to the housing, and the attachmentmembers each having a distal portion configured for removable attachmentto each of the attachment configurations located on each of the earcups.
 14. The headphone set of claim 9 further comprising one of anaugmented reality accessory and a virtual reality accessory attachableto the outer surface of each of the ear cups.
 15. A wearable audio,video and vibrational delivery output apparatus comprising: (a) aheadphone set adapted to be placed about a head and ears of a userincluding ear cups placed about the ears; (b) a housing comprising atleast one vibration speaker or vibration transduction component, thehousing adapted to be positioned on the back of the user's neck and onthe user's spine; and (c) right and left attachment members eachcomprising a proximal portion directly or indirectly connected to thehousing, and a distal portion adapted to be attached to an attachmentconfiguration on an outer surface of each of the ear cups of theheadphone set.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising at leastone of one of an augmented reality accessory and a virtual realityaccessory attachable to the outer surface of each of the ear cups. 17.The apparatus of claim 15 wherein each of the right and left attachmentmembers are adapted to be permanently affixed to the respective earcups.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein each of ear cups is adaptedto be releasably coupled to each of the right and left attachmentmembers via the attachment configuration on the outer surface of the earcups.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein each of the ear cups isadapted to be disassembled for releasing and re-engaging each of theattachment members.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein at theattachment members include a tensioning member adapted to adjust thetensioning of the housing against the user's neck.